Is Breast Cancer Hereditary From Parents?

UPDATED ON 3 JAN. 2022

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Hereditary breast cancer is defined as breast cancer caused by the transmission of faulty genetic material from a parent to a child. It’s estimated that between 5 and 10 percent of breast cancer occurrences are inherited.

Risk for breast cancer increases if you have a close blood relative (direct family member) with the disease. It is possible to raise your risk by inheriting specific genetic variations. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are two of the most well-known genes associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer.

What cancers are hereditary?

When a person’s genes are mutated, they are at risk of developing cancer. Genes may be harmed by various things, including poisons in the atmosphere, radiation or chemicals, smoking, and other habits. Genetic damage accumulates over time, leading to unchecked cell development and cancer.

Some forms of gene mutations are acquired, whereas environmental causes may also contribute to the same. For example, hereditary malignancies are tumours that develop due to genetic abnormalities passed down through generations, and long term exposure to radiation can also cause breast cancer.

How can you detect breast cancer early?

Mammography, ultrasound, MRI, or a biopsy may all be used to detect breast cancer.

• Mammogram: A mammogram is an x-ray taken of the breast. Screening mammography should be done regularly to identify breast cancer in women with no visible symptoms. However, diagnostic mammograms are utilized after questionable findings on the previous screenings or when certain indicators of breast cancer have been detected.

• Ultrasound: You may be asked to have a mammography or an ultrasound if your doctor finds a questionable area in your breast. The ultrasound machine utilizes sound waves to produce pictures of the breast’s internal structures. It is used to diagnose breast abnormalities found during a physical exam of the breast. It is a non-invasive and safe method that does not require radiation.

• MRI: Obtaining a range of pictures and angles during diagnostic exams is beneficial. Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be recommended if your first examinations are inconclusive.

A breast MRI may be performed via the transmission of magnetic energy and radio waves (not radiation). Breast tissue is scanned, resulting in high-resolution images of specific locations inside the breast. 

• Biopsy: A breast biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of tissue or fluid is taken from the region of concern. The removed cells are evaluated using a microscope and further tests to see whether they contain any cancerous cells. Hence, a biopsy must be performed first to ensure that the suspicious spot is malignant.

At what age it occurs

Breast cancer is caused by a variety of circumstances, according to research. Women are more likely to acquire cancer. Ones over the age of 50 are more likely to get breast cancer than younger women.

Chances of breast cancer if your mom had it

Suppose your mother has breast cancer, your chance of developing the illness almost doubles. Some of the ladies in this group come from families with even more complicated histories.

The greater the number of women in your family diagnosed with breast cancer, the greater your risk. Some genetic abnormalities, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, put women at an increased lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer of 50% to 85%. So it’s quite likely that you’ll get breast cancer if you acquire this mutation from your mother.

What percentage of breast cancers are hereditary?

Breast cancer is inherited in 5% to 10% of cases. In the battle against cancer, two genes are critical: BRCA1 and BRCA2. In other words, they’re tumour-killing genes. Breast, ovarian, and other forms of cell growth and division may be slowed or halted by the proper functioning of these genes.

In other cases, the BRCA genes are altered to prevent them from functioning correctly. This increases a person’s chance of developing breast cancer and other malignancies.

How can you prevent breast cancer from running in the family?

Following are the ways to prevent breast cancer from running in the family:

• Keep your weight in check.
• Maintaining a regular exercise regimen.
• Avoid or minimize your intake of alcoholic beverages.
• If possible, breastfeed your children.
• Consider additional options such as breast removal followed by implants to reduce your risk if you’ve been diagnosed with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or have a family history of breast cancer.

Conclusion

The fact that breast cancer is passed on from mother to daughter is undeniable. However, having a family with breast cancer does not indicate that you are doomed to have it. Breast cancer is more likely to strike you if your close relative, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, was diagnosed while she was young or if she has a strong family history of the disease. 

Connect with our gynecologist today if you have any concerns or queries regarding breast cancer and its cause.

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